Support 'Incredible In So Many Different And Unusual Ways'

The JSPCA's media and fundraising manager says people have been incredibly supportive in so many different and unusual ways over the last 12 months.

A survey of 517 people in Jersey concluded that while the impact of the pandemic saw fewer people supporting good causes last year, more people pledged larger amounts to help them through the crisis.

It's estimated that around £29 million was given to charities by islanders throughout 2020.

Michelle Parker says they've had to be very creative to get as much fundraising as possible.

"The Spend Local scheme was fantastic for us. So many people donating almost most of their card, we had many children coming in wanting to support the animals with those.

"It was just trying to think up new ideas that other people haven't done that people want to get on board with."

A third of those who completed the Island Global Research survey late last year said they donated more money to good causes because of the crisis.

There was a 10% increase from 2018 in the number of people donating more than £500 across the year.

"We did a campaign to get people to knit chickens for Easter which we sold at our reception, that's just been incredible. We've had knitted nests made for our wildlife.

"It doesn't always have to be giving money that people can do to make a difference. There are so many other options that people can do and our community have been amazing with that."

The charity has been in severe financial difficulties in recent years. At one point, it was losing around £1million a year.

To help with that, the government loaned the JSPCA £500,000 in January 2019.

It came with terms to repay it in 18 months with interest.

£250,000 was repaid in June last year - but the JSPCA was given another year to repay the rest because of the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

It's now been repaid in full, three months ahead of schedule.

"The Society is very grateful for the support provided by the States at what was a very difficult time, and also for the Minister’s understanding in extending the loan term at the height of the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

"With the aid of the loan we’ve been able to continue to achieve our key priorities of preventing cruelty, educating Islanders and providing shelter for abandoned animals." - Debra D'Orleans, JSPCA Chief Executive Officer.

The charity has just been able to buy its first electric ambulance after a considerable donation from supporter Jean Anderton. The Nissan E-NV200 van has been dedicated to her late husband, Captain William Alex Anderton.

That particular brand of vehicle was chosen to load crates into the back along with other equipment for the calls the JSPCA receives on a daily basis.

"Our day vehicle attends on average just short of 2,500 calls a year, so this van is a vital piece of equipment for the services we provide. We are so excited to have our new electric ambulance, not only for the benefit of the environment but also as it’s such a great feeling that someone values the work we do in the Island enough to give us such a generous donation." - Anel Crowther, Front of House Manager.